It’s hard to imagine how you will use a new space.  We’ve had no problem adjusting to the ‘breakfast bar’ area in the kitchen!  Both kids LOVE it and do really well eating there.  I love the extra prep space!  Jeremy is usually in a high chair off to the side, so he thinks he’s the king when he’s able to sit on one of the new chairs!

Off comes the hair!!

No one knows this better than Karen, a Stylist for Stella & Dot!  Stella & Dot is a relatively new company to Canada which specializes in bringing stylish jewelry to your home.  They bring the jewels to you; your family and friends in a relaxed and fun setting.

Karen’s favorite item is the ‘turquoise sea necklace’ shown on the white neck form.  She states “I can not wait to own this piece; I LOVE it”!  Each piece is exclusive and only available through a Stylist; either online or through a traveling boutique show!  Here is a link to the website for more information:

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/karenweverink/productcatalog

You are welcome to come check out the Stella & Dot line, ask more questions and try on items at my party!  I’m hosting a party to take advantage of the great Hostess rewards – earning free and half price items!  Email me for time and location:

dawn@ashotoflife.ca

You can also feel free to contact Karen direct with any questions at:

karenw_stelldot.com

(519) 777-1771

I have a guest appearance planned for Monday and I was making this delicious dip for company anyway so here it is:

Nacho Dip:

Whip one package of cream cheese; add one container of sour cream.  Beat until smooth.  Add one package of taco seasoning mix.  Cover with chopped onion, green pepper, tomato & lettuce.  Top with shredded chedder or monterey jack cheese.  Serve with nacho chips.

Consider yourselves lucky to have this recipe.  My mother in law has been trying to get it for a couple years.

A day for the record book-I did not touch a camera or computer until 8PM!  That’s right, 8PM-no facebook, no email, & no pictures!!!  So, around 9PM I started to dream up my picture of the day…which only leaves sleeping kids!

It was so dark in the room when I took this picture I had no clue that Eric had a toy stored away under his pillow-waiting for the ‘toy’ fairy or hiding it from his brother?-and a BIG spot of drool on his pillow!  Either way, sleeping kids are cute…

In my books this was an exceptional session.  All aspects worked together to create some wonderful memories for the “J” family.

I am delighted that the boys shared their ‘special snack spot’ with me. It was a wonderful location; although, they did mention that it was top secret!  They also taught me how to tell when a dandy lion is ‘ripe’.  And even though we couldn’t bribe the ducks & ducklings to gather close enough to get into a photo I know you will be happy with the moments captured!

Thank you for sharing an evening with me.  I will have the private gallery up this week.

A beautiful evening of maternity pictures!  This was so fun to do…it’s been a while since I’ve had a maternity session-it was a refreshing change!

We captured some silhouettes, hearts in the sun, sun flare, family and a couple with just the kids and mommy!  Thanks for being a wonderful model and a great friend!

Soccer was a HIT!  A fun rainy night!  When I asked Eric if he was going to play again next week he said “I just did it last night”  As I explained that it was a weekly event he became more and more excited!  I think he thought it was over and done with!

Beef Stroganoff

1.5 lbs bonelss steak cut in 1″ strips

2 tbsp butter

1 clove garlic

1.5 cups beef broth

2 tbsp ketchup

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp salt

1 med onion; chopped

3 tbsp flour

.5 lb thinly sliced mushrooms

egg noodles (prepared as per package directions)

Brown beef in a large skillet; add garlic, 1.25 cup broth, ketchup and salt.  Boil, then reduce heat so mixture bubbles gently; cover for approx 10 mins.

Add onion & mushroom, cook for 5 mins until the onion is tender.  Mix remaining broth with flour and gradually add to skillet.  Continue to stir until thickened (approx 1 minute)

Stir in sour cream; remove from heat.  (do not let the sour cream boil)

Serve over broad egg noodles!

This makes such a yummy sauce over the meat, and the steak comes out very tender!  If you are in a rush at supper time you can prepare everything up to the final step & refrigerate.  At supper time you just reheat the mixture and add the sour cream.  Boil the egg noodles and dinner is ready!

Enjoy!!!